Pharaoh
has ordered you to build a strong city at Gaza.
It should become a thriving center of trade with our
new allies, Enkomi and Tyre, but also a military outpost
of the Egyptian Empire to guard our eastern border.
You are an experienced and esteemed leader. You know
the land well and have studied architecture before
you decided to pursue a military career. These traits
and achievements led our most noble Pharaoh to the
decision to name you the new governor of Gaza.
It
is hardly necessary to tell you how harsh the
climate is in that region - dry, hot, burning winds,
sudden sandstorms, and freezing nights. Subtle works
of art such as statues or decorated shrines would
soon by bruised and defaced by the sand-driven storms.
The river there is shallow and there is hardly enough
water to irrigate farms, and certainly none for gardens.
Plazas would soon be covered by the shifting sands.
You will have to build your city without these amenities.
The
city probably wont be too appealing, but soldiers
are not so demanding. Anyway, who has ever seen gardens
around a barracks, huh? Food and beer is all your
soldiers really want.
But
don't misunderstand me! Pharaoh is not asking
you to build a rough military camp. Gaza must show
the splendor and majesty of Egypt and earn profits
from trade and taxes. This may be a very challenging
task for you, for Jericho is watching our expansion
with distaste and Bedouin leaders around Serabit Khadim
have been active lately getting their troops together,
too. Be prepared to defend Gaza against invasions
from the desert, and to send troops to pacify the
Bedouins, if Serabit Khadim has any problems with
them.
Pharaoh
is confident you can build a wondrous city in
Gaza even though it will be a great challenge. One
governor has already tried and failed. You will find
his deserted forts there, and he sent word there is
granite and copper in the area. Pharaoh would be impressed
if you build an Obelisk to his glory.
My
dear General,